"I think he is a very exciting player who would suit the Premier League," Cole told the Manchester Evening News.

"What I like about him most is that he gets in behind defences. I think that is what is needed again these days in the Premier League to bring back a touch of variety.

"Not many forwards seem to want to play little balls around the box to get in behind opponents. Players want to drop off defenders to come and get the ball and then try something spectacular.

"Most of them seem to want to get the Hollywood goal these days.

"Nobody plays little one-twos in front of defences and then spins to get in behind them.

"I didn't care whether I scored a spectacular goal or one went in off me via a ricochet. A goal was a goal as far as I was concerned and one of the ways of getting a goal was to get into the danger area with a touch off and a swivel to out-do your marker.

"For some reason that just doesn't seem sexy anymore.

"Look at the top teams in the Premier League and not many have a player who can do that."